Streamline-based microfluidic device

Abstract

The present invention provides a streamline-based device and a method for using the device for continuous separation of particles including cells in biological fluids. The device includes a main microchannel and an array of side microchannels disposed on a substrate. The main microchannel has a plurality of stagnation points with a predetermined geometric design, for example, each of the stagnation points has a predetermined distance from the upstream edge of each of the side microchannels. The particles are separated and collected in the side microchannels.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 673,572, filed Apr. 21, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]A portion of the present invention was made under federally sponsored research and development under NASA through the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI). The co-operative agreement number is NCC 9-58-317. The Government may have rights in certain aspects of this invention.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Separation of particles based on size is one of the essential components in biochemical analysis, environmental assays, and industrial and biomedical applications. Filtration is one of the most frequently used techniques to separate particles. A mechanical filter can be used to remove, filter, or collect particles. This filtering and collection...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a microfluidic device and a method for continuous separation of particles and cells using a streamline design. The device includes one or more sample inlet ports, one or more microchannels, and one or more outlet ports. The device is capable of sorting particles (such as cells) based on their characteristics, such as particle size and shape. The device is modular, which permits the addition of other elements, and the design includes a main microchannel and a plurality of side microchannels. The method includes administering a fluid containing a plurality of particles through the main microchannel, optionally applying a positive or negative pressure to the main microchannel to separate each particle, and collecting the plurality of particles from each of the side microchannels. The invention has applications in areas such as medical diagnostics and biological research.

Problems solved by technology

However, when the particle size is much smaller or when the difference in particle size is smaller, separation becomes difficult.

Pore clogging or membrane fouling may be an issue.

Such procedures are typically not able to separate all of the white blood cells from the platelets and the forces involved in separation of the cells can damage the final product.

Cell labeling-based separation techniques are expensive, inconvenient and in most cases, labeled cells cannot be infused in patients and the harsh washing conditions necessary to remove the label can damage the cells.

Passive matrix-based separation techniques are not sufficiently selective or adaptive for separation of specific cell types.

Similarly, column chromatography and magnetic bead adsorption techniques cannot separate cell subtypes quickly and cheaply.

Images